His jaw tightened further, annoyed she made sense.
She let a slight smile break through. “Though, you are right, I acted before I fully thought it through.”
He shook his head and lowered it, his warm breath brushing her face. “And now your life hangs on the mercy of a king who possesses none. Do you understand the danger you have placed yourself in?”
She boldly leaned closer. “Then it appears that I have—we have—no choice but to find the exceptional healer.”
The storm in his eyes softened and he could not resist… he brushed his lips over hers. “You will obey my every word, wife, and not do anything foolish.”
She hesitated, a rush of warmth running through her from his faint kiss, followed by a sudden chill when a question hurried to her lips. “How can I give you my word when I don’t know if I can trust you?”
“I gave you my word that I would protect you, keep you safe, and I kept it, and I will continue to do so.”
“And will you continue to lie to me?” she challenged.
He demanded the same of her. “Will you do as well?”
“Trust each other or this task will never get done,” Feena said as if chastising two young bairns. “You must be careful, Elara. Visions are not easily bent to one’s will. They come as they choose and having your husband beside you will be of great help but only if you speak the truth with him. And you, Dar, be a husband to her before a Hunter, leaving her no reason to doubt you.”
Dar took hold of Elara’s hand. “You know I have kept my word about protecting you and keeping you safe. Know now you have my word that I will always speak the truth to you and keep nothing from you.”
Elara’s heart jolted, catching her breath in her throat.
“If you are wise, my son,” Feena said softly, “you will keep hold of that promise, for it will be tested.” She looked to Elara. “Your turn.”
A breath escaped Elara, and it took a moment for her to speak, giving her time to realize what her promise would mean. She would have to confide in her husband about the ethereal figure who healed Muir.
Did she trust him enough to do so?
Did she have a choice?
She spoke quickly, knowing it must be done. “I give you my word, husband, that I will always speak the truth to you and keep nothing from you.”
“Then we will surely succeed,” Dar said with confidence that Elara thought she felt rush over her.
“Aye, together you will,” Feena said as if she knew it to be so. “Now go and see to what needs doing for departure.”
“What of you?” Elara asked.
“Wherever Adira is, that is where you will find me. I will not leave her no matter what the king commands. Now go and I will pray for a safe and successful quest.”
Elara felt an odd connection to the old woman she barely knew, and she hurried to give her a hug. It came swiftly and briefly, an image of Feena holding Adira crying in her arms, soothing her, patting her chest, letting her know all would be well.
When she stepped back, Feena was smiling softly and Elara sensed that the old woman knew she had a vision.
She turned to Dar. “A brief vision that Feena will remain with Adira, though it will not be easy for the young woman.”
“Nothing is easy when it comes to the king,” Dar said.
Footsteps sounded on the stone stairs and Muir appeared, sending Dar an anxious look. “You are needed.”
“Come,” Dar said with a tug to Elara’s hand. “The morning meal awaits, and you need to eat before we take our leave.”
“I will wait with Feena for Adira and eat with them,” Elara said, trying to tug loose her hand, but Dar having too firm of a hold on it. She turned a tender look on him. “You have my word that I will wait in the Great Hall for you since you need to eat as well.”
Dar didn’t hesitate to free her hand. “I will see you there.”
Elara stared at him as he disappeared down the stairs. He hadn’t hesitated for a moment. He took her at her word. He trusted her without question.